Events for April 3, 2026
First Friday is celebrated on the first Friday of each month throughout Downtown Raleigh to showcase the best of our city's creative community. Thousands venture downtown to visit art galleries & studios open late to host exhibits, artist talks, and creative activities. Retailers and restaurants also get in on the fun with live music, vendor markets, specials/discounts, and more. There's something for everyone each First Friday.
Create your own First Friday itinerary by selecting the hearts for events and experiences you don't want to miss. Receive a custom map and itinerary to guide your First Friday evening!
Join us for First Friday at VanDeVelde Gallery, where a new body of work is presented each month by Raleigh artist N8than VanDeVelde. The work blends symbolism, story, and lived experience — exploring how ordinary moments can hold something larger beneath the surface.
The gallery is an open space for conversation and connection. Whether you’re simply curious, collecting, or building ideas of your own, you’re welcome here. Questions are encouraged. Dialogue is part of the experience.
VanDeVelde Gallery is inside the Professional Building
Join us at Bricks & Minifigs for First Friday this April right here on Fayetteville St ✨
We’ll be open with adjusted hours from 12PM to 6PM with a special 25% off Bulk LEGO® pieces. Whether you’re building something for yourself or creating a one of a kind gift for family and friends, it’s the perfect time to get creative with us.
Stop by, dig in, and build something uniquely yours 🧱
Copperline is celebrating four years! Join us for festivities like giveaways and check out our new plants, new pots, and new merch during April's first friday.
Hop on the mic every Friday night at Crank Arm Brewing for Karaoke Night! Bring your crew, start with some "liquid courage", and warm up those vocal cords. Whether you’re here to belt it out or just sip and cheer, it’s the perfect way to roll into the weekend.
Crank Arm offers craft beers, wine, cider, seltzer, and cocktails, as well as THC-infused beverages & non-alcoholic options.
So pedal over, raise a glass, and let’s turn those Friday nights into full-throttle sing-alongs!
FREE Tour and Tasting for April First Friday!
Tour Crude Bitters/The Bittery, NCs first cocktail bitters and supply store. Featuring a free tour of Crude Bitters and The Bittery shop. A free tasting of a cocktail or mocktail will be available while supplies last.
Various bitters will be available for guests to experiment with as we learn about cocktail history. We will showcase different products from the shop and explain how to use as well!
Discover what makes the Moore Square district a destination by taking this fun, unique walking tour!
Raleigh Walking Tours is excited to be partnering with the Downtown Raleigh Alliance to bring you The Davie to Deco First Friday Walking tour!
My public tours are usually pay-what-you-want. However, because the Downtown Raleigh Alliance is sponsoring these tours, they are completely FREE to attend! Many thanks to the DRA for its generous support!
Starting March 20th through April 3rd, the DRA is shining a spotlight on the Moore Square District as part of Downtown Destinations: a celebration of Downtown Raleigh’s 6 distinct districts and the local businesses, history, and experiences that make each one unique.
Discover what makes the Moore Square district a destination by taking this fun and unique walking tour, which will provide pro-tips for experiencing everything this vibrant and storied corner of downtown has to offer! Along the way, you will discover the history of the area, vibrant public art, and the eclectic businesses and shops that can be found in the Moore Square district.
Although this tour is free, advance registration is REQUIRED. I need to monitor the number of people on the tour, and I also need to be able to communicate with you if the tour needs to be cancelled for any reason.
The tour will start at The Davie, which is located at 444 South Blount Street. We will end the tour at Deco, which is approximately four blocks from the starting point at 207 South Salisbury Street.
This tour leaves the starting point quickly, so please be on time!
The Davie to Deco walking tours are approximately 45 minutes long, but may be slightly longer depending on the size and speed of the group.
This tour will take place entirely within the downtown Sip n' Stroll district! But you do not need to buy a drink to participate in the tour -- this is not a pub crawl!! While we will not be making any specific stops for drinks, please feel free to arrive early and purchase a drink at The Davie before the tour starts.
Join us at The Davie this First Friday for an evening of live music with Daddy’s Soda. The acoustic rock-and-roll duo, featuring lifelong friends Jake Potter and Mick Futrell, will be taking the stage from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Whether you’re stopping in after gallery hopping or making us your Friday night destination, come enjoy a mix of high-energy original songs and the rock-and-roll classics you know by heart. Grab a drink, settle into our neighborhood atmosphere, and kick off the weekend with us on Blount Street!
Admission: Free / No Cover
Vibe: Neighborhood Bar / Acoustic Rock / Sing-along friendly
Join Le Dive and Old Ghosts Tattoo for a unique experience every First Friday in Raleigh! Le Dive, teams up with Old Ghosts Tattoo for an exciting night of flash tattoos, good vibes, drinks and food and creative energy!
Are you ready to create and connect with your improv community?
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or a curious first-timer, this is the perfect place to jump in, have fun, and discover the joy of improv. Hosted by our skilled and experienced Leela faculty, our intention is to foster a welcoming space where improv artists of all experience levels can take risks and build community.
Whether you want to step out of your comfort zone, meet new people, or just laugh your heart out, our Improv Community Jam has something for everyone. So grab your friends, bring your Yes And! attitude, and come join the FUN! Let’s play!
When: First Fridays, at 7:00 PM, on-going, monthly
Where: Leela Improv Theatre, 309 N Boylan Ave., Raleigh, NC 27603
Why Join Our Improv Jam?
* Mindful Intent: Our jams promote mutual respect, collaboration, and joyful play.
* No Experience Needed: Everyone is welcome! Just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to try something new.
* Instant Fun: Jump right into games and scenes, and let your imagination run wild.
* Supportive Community: Meet fellow improv lovers, make new friends, and share the stage with people who love to play.
* FREE to Join: Register on Eventbrite (below), then show up and play!
* Dry Jam: Let’s allow improv be the mind-altering substance that brings us together. We’ll celebrate with optional drinks at nearby watering holes AFTER we jam.
* This is an 18+ event.
What to Expect:
* A warm-up session to connect with your play mates and get that energy flowing.
* A Leela host facilitating a kind, structured, and supportive jam experience.
* A chance to perform, watch, and cheer on your fellow improvisors- all experience levels welcome and encouraged (even if none!)
* Laughter, surprises, and unforgettable moments.
* Sign-ups begin at 7 pm for solos (open mic), improv pairs, and improv groups (5+). Sign up for one, none, or all of these categories and the host will curate an evening of entertainment on the fly
* Jam goes from 7:30-9:30 pm
FIRST FRIDAYS 2026—LET’S GO!
Join us every First Friday from 7–11 PM at The Times!
What’s on deck?
- BEER
- LIVE MUSIC
- MORNING TIMES GALLERY ARTIST & VENDOR MARKET